The Mahavishnu Orchestra

[ED in NY]

In similar fashion to the thread I recently started for Blood Sweat & Tears, I'm curious to hear my fellow board members opinions on this great bands first two recordings.

For The Inner Mounting Flame and Birds Of Fire I have opted to go with the Japanese Mastersound pressings instead of the domestic reissues. Again, I have found the current remasters to be a bit too bright and lacking in warmth. (a common fault with many new remasters appearing these days from other record labels as well).

Having A/B'd the Japanese Mastersounds to the current domestic remasters I found the Japanese pressings to be warmer and not so shrill. I have not heard the MOFI for TIMF so I cannot offer a comparison there and would be glad to hear anyones 2 cents on how the MOFI holds up.

Thanks !

Best - ED

[Patrick M]

Hey Ed,

Great question. I'd like to know, too. I have the old and remastered CDs of "Birds of Fire" sitting sit by side next to my CDP. I was none too impressed with either. I wonder how much could be done to 'save' MO, though. I think their recordings/mixes just aren't that great. The keyboard sound really grates on me at times.

[Paul C.]

Sorry, I can't help you with that - but I'd also like to know. I obtained the Sony US remasters of both Inner Mounting Flame and Birds of Fire. I think they are OK, but as you say, a little bright.

Are both of these available as MasterSounds? Did they do them with DSD?

I would really like to see Visions of the Emerald Beyond remastered - I don't think it was done as a MasterSound, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

[ED in NY]

Hi Paul,

Yeah my copies are Mastersounds. Regular aluminum CD. I guess the first pressings were in the little LP sleeves, but I got mine in jewel cases. I love the sound of these, however I don't believe they were DSD's. I got them about 3-4 years ago if memory serves me right.

Best - ED